Summary

Colt 1849 Pocket model percussion revolver, cal. .31 inch, rifled octagonal barrel 126 mm (5 inch) long with loading lever attached. Made by Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Co., Hartford, Connecticut, serial number 52771, 1853.

The 1849 Pocket Model, also termed the New Pocket Model, was the singular most popular Colt handgun of the nineteenth century with its production (including the Baby Dragoon models) running from 1848 to 1872. Perceived as an improved continuation of the 1848 Baby Dragoon, it differed through the addition of a loading lever, rectangular cyclinder stops with guides and adopted the Stage coach hold-up scene, in place of the military themed soldiers and indian scene of the Baby Dragoon.

Physical Description

Five chambered cylinder engraved with stagecoach hold-up scene, small rounded brass trigger guard with good remnants of silver plating, steel frame, brass back strap with good remnants of silver plating, wooden grips, pin style front sight. Knurling on hammer is course style. Barrel address is two-line New York address. Inspector's intial 'W' stamped onto triggerguard below serial number, 'H' stamped onto barrel lug above the serial number, 'L' stamped onto trigger guard R.H.side triangle, and 'E/ E' onto trigger guard L.H.side. Loading lever is not original, and appears to have been either a local or home-made addition. Missing Left hand trigger guard screw.

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